distressing news

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "distressing news" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to information that causes anxiety, sorrow, or discomfort. Example: "The family received the distressing news about the accident late last night."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

What new bit of distressing news waits around the corner?

The New York Times

When the distressing news came in 2003 that CBS was remaking Helter Skelter again as a new TV movie, I called the director John Gray, whom I didn't know, at his home.

Huffington Post

That led to Monday's M.R.I. and the distressing news for the Mets.

The New York Times - Sports

Ledee apparently wanted to show that the distressing news did not affect him.

The New York Times - Sports

That is distressing news for Southeastern Conference batters, but a thrilling prospect for L.S.U.

The New York Times - Sports

The last few weeks have also brought distressing news for Mr. Dodd.

The New York Times

In many households, that also meant tuning out the distressing news from Iraq.

The New York Times

He used to tell a parable about some courtiers who brought their king distressing news.

The Guardian - Opinion

Then, just as Legendre was finally getting comfortable, she received some distressing news from her financial adviser.

The New York Times - Magazine

That's distressing news as communities confront unusual, unpredictable weather, which many experts believe is linked to climate change.

The New York Times

Much distressing news is emerging concerning the battle some of these political prisoners are waging against cancer.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "distressing news", be mindful of your audience and the context. Choose your words carefully to convey empathy and sensitivity.

Common error

Avoid hyperbole and excessive emotional language when reporting or discussing "distressing news". Stick to the facts and present the information in a clear and objective manner.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "distressing news" functions primarily as a noun phrase where the adjective "distressing" modifies the noun "news". It serves to categorize news as something that causes worry, anxiety, or sorrow. Ludwig AI confirms this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Science

16%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "distressing news" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe information that causes worry, sorrow, or anxiety. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's used across various contexts, primarily in news and media, but also in science and business. When using "distressing news", it's important to be mindful of your audience and context, choosing words carefully to convey empathy and sensitivity while avoiding hyperbole. Alternatives like "alarming news", "worrisome news", or "disturbing news" can offer subtle variations in meaning, but the core purpose remains to inform the audience about upsetting information.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

alarming news

Focuses on the element of surprise and potential danger.

worrisome news

Highlights the anxiety and concern caused by the information.

disturbing news

Emphasizes the unsettling and disquieting nature of the information.

unsettling news

Highlights the anxiety that the news produces.

painful news

Emphasizes the emotional suffering caused by the information.

disheartening news

Focuses on the loss of hope and discouragement caused by the information.

discouraging news

Highlights the setback and lack of progress implied by the information.

troubling news

Emphasizes the problematic and concerning aspects of the information.

depressing news

Highlights the sadness produced by the event.

agonizing news

Focuses on the intense mental suffering caused by the information.

FAQs

How can I use "distressing news" in a sentence?

You can use "distressing news" to describe information that causes worry, sorrow, or anxiety. For example, "The doctor delivered the "distressing news" about the patient's diagnosis with sensitivity."

What can I say instead of "distressing news"?

Alternatives include "alarming news", "worrisome news", or "disturbing news", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "distressing news" in formal writing?

Yes, "distressing news" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when reporting on serious or sensitive topics. However, always maintain a professional and objective tone.

What's the difference between "distressing news" and "disappointing news"?

"Distressing news" implies a greater level of worry, sorrow, or anxiety, while "disappointing news" simply means the information did not meet expectations. The former suggests a more significant emotional impact.